“Development, not to play politics”: Niira Radia on why Ratan Tata chose Bengal for the Nano project

Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9 at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovation and philanthropy. In her first media interview in over 12 years, Niira Radia, who worked closely with Tata, shared personal anecdotes that highlight his vision for India and his remarkable leadership at the Tata group. Radia was instrumental in public relations for Tata from 2000 to 2012 and maintained a close friendship with Tata until his death.

During the interview with NDTV, Radia discussed key milestones that defined Tata's tenure, such as the launch of Tata Motors' hatchback Indica, the acquisition of the steel giant Corus, the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover from Ford, and the development of the 'Rs 1 lakh car,' the Nano. Reflecting on Tata’s mindset, she remarked, "He was a dreamer and a visionary. India was his national pride. He loved his country, the people." She quoted him, saying, "The only reason why I need to go global is to bring technology to India and upgrade our own companies to make better platforms."

Radia provided insight into the creation of the Nano, emphasizing Tata’s desire to produce an affordable vehicle for everyday people. She explained, "He wanted something for the common person. He wanted a person on a bike to not get wet in the rain." Although a newspaper suggested that Tata aimed for a ₹ 1 lakh price point, Radia clarified, "But we had never given a number." This initiative illustrated Tata's commitment to making life easier for ordinary citizens.

The choice of Singur, West Bengal, as the site for the Nano plant was significant for Tata. Radia shared that Tata had a deep desire to industrialize the state and create jobs. She said, "He announced Singur. It really surprised me because we were not told about the location earlier. It was natural for him. Why shouldn't it be Singur? He was for development, not to play politics." This decision, however, coincided with significant challenges, including political opposition surrounding the Nano project.

Radia explained that while the Tata group was simultaneously pursuing the Corus acquisition, they faced turmoil over the Nano plant in Singur. "We were in Bengal in the midst of two critical decisions—a bid was going on for Corus, and there was trouble on the ground in Singur," she noted. She emphasized that the criticism surrounding the Nano was not solely about the car or Tata himself, stating, "The fight was a political fight. Singur was the constituency of a leader of the then ruling party."

Despite the challenges, Radia noted that Tata remained focused on his broader vision. She said, "The whole road from Kolkata to Singur could have been developed beautifully." Ultimately, the Nano project moved to Sanand, Gujarat, which Radia described as an area that had become "like Gurugram" due to its industrial development. She highlighted the missed opportunity for Bengal's growth but also acknowledged Tata's commitment to creating opportunities.

Niira Radia’s reflections paint a vivid picture of Ratan Tata as a leader who prioritized India's development and sought to uplift its people through innovation and industrialization. Her insights serve as a testament to Tata’s enduring impact on the Indian business landscape, showcasing a man dedicated not just to business success, but to the betterment of society.